Bill > S05475

This bill amends the General Municipal Law to expand tax levy limits for local governments, specifically allowing them to exclude from their tax levy cap any expenditures related to providing enhanced cancer disability benefits to volunteer firefighters. Currently, local governments have a tax levy limit that restricts how much they can increase taxes each year, but this bill creates an exception for costs associated with cancer disability benefits mandated by section 205-cc of the General Municipal Law. The bill requires that if a local government wants to exceed its standard tax levy limit to cover these specific firefighter benefits, it must first pass a local law or resolution approved by a 60% vote of the governing body. This change recognizes the unique risks and health challenges faced by volunteer firefighters and ensures that local governments can adequately support these first responders without being constrained by typical tax levy restrictions. The bill will take effect on the first day of January following its passage, with immediate authorization for preparing necessary implementing regulations.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5475